OFAC Sanctions Networks Helping Iran Make Ballistic Missiles, Drones

The Office of Foreign Assets Control on Nov. 12 sanctioned 32 individuals and entities for operating procurement networks that support Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production.

Those targeted include MVM, a three-person venture that has coordinated the procurement of ballistic missile propellant ingredients from China on behalf of Parchin Chemical Industries, part of Iran’s Defense Industries Organization. MVM’s partners are United Arab Emirates-based Marco Klinge and Iran- and Turkey-based Majid Dolatkhah and Vahid Qayumi.

OFAC also sanctioned two Iran-based entities and four individuals for their ties to Iran-based Kimia Part Sivan Company (KIPAS), which has worked to improve the UAV program of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. The agency also designated one individual and 11 entities involved in a procurement network for Iran-based Oje Parvas Mado Nafar Company, which makes UAV engines.

Two Ukraine-based front companies, GK Imperativ Ukraina LLC and Ekofera LLC, are among those sanctioned for supplying parts to Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), a state-owned subsidiary of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics that makes military aircraft and UAVs. OFAC is also updating HESA’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) entry to include its new alias, FTP Co.

Carrier vessel Shun Kai Xing, which has tried to transport sensitive machinery for Iran’s defense industry, is getting an updated SDN List entry to reflect its new name, HONESTAR, OFAC said.

The sanctions came six weeks after OFAC sanctioned nearly 40 people and entities involved in Iranian weapons procurement networks (see 2510010039).